Tower of Madness (2018) Board Game

Tower of Madness is a board game released in 2018 by Smirk & Dagger Games. It is a horror-themed game that combines elements of action/dexterity, dice rolling, and variable player powers. The game is designed for 3-5 players and has a runtime of 30-45 minutes. Players take on the roles of investigators trying to unravel the mysteries of the tower and prevent the summoning of an ancient one.

Game Components of Tower of Madness

Tower Structure: A complex, magnetically held tower with insertable tentacles.

Marbles: Blue (worth 3 points each), white (allow drawing magic spells), red (cause madness), and green (represent doom).

Dice: Five dice per player.

Location Cards: Indicate global rules for each round.

Magic Spells: Cards with take-that or self-preservation effects.

Tentacles: Inserted into the tower, which players must pull from.

Player Powers: Special abilities granting buffs or passive effects.

How To Setup Tower of Madness

Setting up Tower of Madness can be challenging. The tower requires careful assembly, with each tentacle inserted in a specific manner. Marbles are then placed on top, and the roof, which has a smaller magnet, needs to be securely placed to prevent it from opening and causing marbles to fall. The location cards and magic spells are shuffled and distributed accordingly.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Dice Rolling: Players roll five dice to achieve a 1, 2, and 3 combination to interact with locations.

Discovery Total: The last two dice determine the player’s discovery total for scoring.

Powers: Rolling two 5s allows players to take special powers.

Marble Mechanic: Failing to roll the required combination forces players to pull a tentacle, which can release marbles.

Madness and Cultist: Collecting four red marbles drives a player insane, turning them into a cultist aiming to bring about the apocalypse.

Game End: The game ends when all locations are navigated or the final doom token (green marble) is released.

Player Experience

Tower of Madness offers a unique blend of strategy and unpredictability. Players must balance the need to roll specific dice combinations with the risk of pulling tentacles and releasing marbles, which can lead to madness or even the end of the game. The game is full of goofy fun and subtle tension, making it an engaging experience. However, the setup and potential instability of the tower can be frustrating.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Combines dice rolling with a dexterity element.

High Production Quality: Well-made components, except for some minor issues like the roof magnet.

Engaging Theme: Investigating horrors with a Cthulhu mythos twist.

Variety in Gameplay: Magic spells and special abilities add depth to the game.

Cons

Complex Setup: Assembling the tower can be time-consuming and frustrating.

Unstable Tower: The tower’s design can lead to marbles falling prematurely.

Quality Issues: Some components, like the location cards, may have minor defects.

Personal Thoughts on Tower of Madness

Tower of Madness is for players who enjoy a mix of luck, strategy, and physical interaction. It’s ideal for those familiar with the Cthulhu mythos or who appreciate games with a unique theme. However, it may not be the best fit for players seeking a quick, easy setup or those who prefer games with less unpredictability. Despite its challenges, the game offers a fun and thrilling experience for those willing to navigate its complexities.

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